“I came across Mr. @JayShah’s statement about the security situation in Pakistan. Just to refresh his memory, Pakistan has hosted the following foreign players/teams in the past six years:

• 2017 – ICC World XI & SL
• 2018 – WI
• 2019 – WI (W), BD (W) & SL
• 2020 – BD, PSL, MCC & Zim
• 2021 – WI, PSL, SA & WI
• 2022 – Aus, PSL, WI, BD U19, Ireland (W) & Eng (2)
• 2023 – NZ (2), PSL, Women’s Exhibition Matches, #AsiaCup2023 (Nep, SL, Afg & BD) & SA (W)

Have no doubts, Mr. Shah, Pakistan is ready to host @BCCI at the #ICCChampionsTrophy2025,” Afridi declared on ‘X.’

Afridi’s response came after Shah’s comments that Pakistan might not be a safe location for cricket events. Shah cited concerns from various stakeholders about hosting the entire Asia Cup in Pakistan due to security concerns and the country’s economic situation.

Notably, ACC’s decision, led by Jay Shah, to hold all Super Four matches in Colombo despite the likelihood of heavy rain has drawn criticism. Sri Lanka is currently experiencing rainy conditions that are expected to impact the upcoming Super Four matches. Despite backlash, Shah has maintained the original schedule. Additionally, the India-Pakistan group stage match was washed out due to rain, and India’s last group stage match against Nepal was also affected, leading to a reduction in overs during the second innings.

Previously, ACC had planned to move the Super Four matches to Hambantota due to poor weather forecasts in Colombo, with the approval of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). However, Shah reversed this decision, causing significant discontent within the PCB.